The AFL has cut the men's competition to 17 rounds in response to the coronavirus pandemic, but it is yet to decide whether it will suspend the start of the season.
AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan announced the decision in Melbourne this evening, having consulted the 18 clubs and key league stakeholders.
It means the clubs will play each other once in a modified home-and-away premiership, as opposed to contesting a 23-round season.
A decision on whether the season starts as planned at the MCG on Thursday night will be delayed until Tuesday.
"This unprecedented situation requires an unprecedented response. Football will find a way through," McLachlan told a media conference.
"What we do know is we will get a season away. We don't have all the answers at the moment."
McLachlan also announced that the AFL would suspend the competition if a player tested positive to coronavirus.
The first four rounds of matches will run as scheduled before a new draw is created for the rest of the campaign.
State leagues — including the VFL, SANFL, WAFL and NEAFL — have been postponed until May 31.
More to come.
